Trade offer

Re: Trade offer

Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 9:50 am

by JD, the Hockey Man

I wouldn't do it. The risk is too great given how poorly the contract talks are going with Ryan Johansen. James Neal is not going to be the same player he was on the Pens, either, so the other manager is looking to package a risky but huge upside guy in RyJo with a sell high in Neal to get you to part with two guys who will be steady and produce all season long. Jumbo Joe is going to do his thing... teens goals and 65+ assists. Iggy is old, but he's going to be a top six guy on one of the best young teams in the league, he'll get his 25-30 goals with some hits and 200+ SOG. If RyJo was signed and headed into this season with no issues, I'd take the deal. But he isn't, so I wouldn't.

Here's the skinny on Neal for 2015. He's the no. 1 offensive option for the Preds this season, that's something he's never been and he was behind two of the best players in the world with the Pens. The added pressure is going to be enormous and it could have a negative effect on him. His production will be down a bit regardless because he won't have Geno Malkin at center anymore and lets be realistic, no one on the Preds is as good as Geno, not even close. Another factor not in Neal's favor is his division. Have you seen the Central lately? It's the toughest division in hockey, son! All that adds up to no thank you on Neal, and I don't advise people go after him this year.